Phil Hogan
Ceist:115 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the powers of the Committee of the Regions that will be established shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Committee of the Regions.
The Committee of the Regions is a consultative body established under the Treaty on European Union to consider the growing volume of Community legislation and initiatives which have a direct bearing on the regions of the member States.
When it is established after the Treaty comes into force, the Committee will be formally asked for its Opinion on measures in the areas of education, culture, public health, trans-European networks and economic and social cohesion. The Council and the Commission will also have the right to consult the Committee in other areas of Community policy should they consider it appropriate.
Members of the Committee of the Regions will be appointed for four years by the Council on the basis of nominations from the member States, and will be completely independent in the performance of their duties. Ireland will appoint nine members out of a total of one hundred and eighty nine. The method of selection of the Irish members is currently under consideration.